House Resolution 49

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
BULLDOGS FOOTBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2004 DEAF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi School for the
Deaf (MSD) has a long and successful history of athletics, with programs
balanced with an overall academic program and providing students with
competitive opportunities that may not be afforded them elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, the MSD Bulldogs Football Team
captured its fourth consecutive National Championship title this season,
finishing the season with a 6-0 record, winning by an average of 25 points per
game and continuing a 28-game undefeated winning streak since a 12-6 loss to
Georgia School for the Deaf in 2000; and

WHEREAS, MSD's win against previously
unbeaten Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge, by a score of 64-33,
clinched this year's championship; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs were able to put away
all five deaf schools they faced, including Minnesota, Indiana, Texas, Georgia
and Louisiana, and more triumphantly they defeated Pisgah High School in a
history making victory over a hearing school, something that has not been
accomplished since 1989; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs were led by player of
the year candidate, Ro'Derrick Brown, who scored 24 touchdowns, and Cortland Clay,
who scored nine touchdowns, charged the team to a season score of 298 points,
averaging 49 points a game; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have been superbly
coached and inspired this season by Head Coach Tyrone Blackmon and Assistant
Coaches Arness Georgetown and Tyrone Haley, who have broadened the Bulldogs'
knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, a self-disciplined and self-motivated
team, the Bulldogs have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can
attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and supporters whose
moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season;
and

WHEREAS, they have developed a winning and
cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and
attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and
bring honor to Mississippi School for the Deaf; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of
Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced
by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and
congratulate the Mississippi School for the Deaf Bulldogs Football Team and
their coaches for winning the 2004 Deaf National Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this
resolution be furnished to the Mississippi School for the Deaf, Head Coach
Tyrone Blackmon, Assistant Coaches Arness Georgetown and Tyrone Haley and to
the members of the Capitol Press Corps.